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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Washington, DC. Written by Anna Spiegel and Cuneyt Dil.

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The Amaris is D.C.’s swankiest new condo building, housing luxe amenities and powerful people.

Driving the news: Late last week, one of the building’s seven penthouses sold for just under $12.8 million, making it the most expensive condo in D.C.

Details: The Wharf property opened last year and was designed by the late Rafael Viñoly. It has a distinctive curved shape that overlooks the waterfront.

The intrigue: The building is meant to feel like a boutique hotel and boasts a sleek, modern design in the shared spaces and units. Each unit includes:

A private outdoor space and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Wide-plank French European white oak flooring.

Marble kitchen countertops and waterfall edge islands.

Custom Italian bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets.

The amenities rival those found in other condo buildings and include:

A car elevator with valet service. Meaning residents don’t have to wind their way through a parking garage.

An indoor saltwater lap pool that’s 25 yards with two lanes.

A 6,000-square-foot waterfront terrace with firepits and lounge seating.

The indoor saltwater lap pool. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The building’s offerings have attracted big-name clientele. Here are some of Amaris’ buyers and the sold price for their units, according to city records.

🔑 Former Montgomery County Executive candidate David Blair and his partner Mikel. $6,552,500.

🔑 McKinsey & Company partner Sarah Tucker-Ray. $4,107,550.

🔑 Former D.C. Retirement Board of Trustees member Jan Adams, who was appointed by the mayor and is also the founder of JMA Solutions, a management consulting firm. $2,515,100.

🔑 Miller & Chevalier lawyer and former federal prosecutor Kirby Behre, who’s worked on high-profile cases. $2,320,000.

🔑 Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority board member Mamie Mallory, who’s held multiple positions at the FAA and is a consulting firm founder. $1,737,300.

🔑 U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.). $775,000.

A look inside an elevator at the Amaris. 

Even the elevators are fancy. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The screening room. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

A shared lounge area inside the Amaris. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The car elevator! There are very few of these in our area. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The Amaris lobby. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

Tour the Amaris, D.C.'s fanciest condo building

The luxury Amaris condo building has high-end amenities and notable residents.

The outside of the Amaris building overlooking the Wharf waterfront.

Not a bad view. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

Real estate

The Amaris is D.C.’s swankiest new condo building, housing luxe amenities and powerful people.Driving the news: Late last week, one of the building’s seven penthouses sold for just under $12.8 million, making it the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most expensive condo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/articles/most-expensive-condo-in-washington-dc-ec64ab36" data-vars-content-id="08ec3bc5-e2be-4584-bd10-8687cca5c92b" data-vars-headline="Tour the Amaris, D.C.&#x27;s fanciest condo building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/most-expensive-condo-in-washington-dc-ec64ab36" target="_blank">most expensive condo</a> in D.C.

Real Estate

D.C.’s rent-controlled units are one tool to battle high prices, especially as the housing market pushes some residents to rent for longer than they planned.

Why it matters: Living in D.C. isn't cheap, but anyone can benefit from the savings rent-controlled units provide, because they aren’t subject to income restrictions.

While the cost of rent-controlled units can increase from year to year, those increases are regulated and generally smaller than uncontrolled units.

Yes, but: Tenants in rent-controlled units could see 8.9% rent hikes this year, the largest increase since 1982, Washington City Paper reports. Increases are calculated using the Consumer Price Index plus 2%, with a cap at 10%.

The increases are capped at 5% for elderly tenants and those with disabilities.

D.C. Policy Center executive director Yesim Sayin Taylor says she thinks of D.C.’s rent control laws as more like rent stabilization that prevents price gouging.

State of play: There was an attempt by the D.C. Council during a meeting this week to slow the 8.9% increase, but it ultimately failed.

How it works: Most buildings with five or more units that were built before 1976 are subject to rent control rules.

The D.C. Policy Center estimated in 2020 that there were 73,000 rent-controlled units in the District. That’s compared to 124,600 total rental apartments. Wards 3 and 8 have the bulk of D.C.’s rent-controlled units, Sayin Taylor says.

Between the lines: The number of rent-controlled units drops when landlords sell properties, and turn units from rented to owned. This often happens when landlords feel that they aren’t getting a high enough return on their investment.

Pro tip: Sites like Zillow allow users to search for rental properties by the year they were built – a good place to start if you’re looking for rent-controlled units.

How to find rent-controlled units in D.C.

Most rental units built before 1976 are subject to D.C. rent control laws.

Illustration of a key floating in a glass dome. 

D.C.’s rent-controlled units are one tool to battle high prices, especially as the housing market pushes some residents to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rent for longer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/mortgage-applications-plummet" data-vars-content-id="54f04bb7-a51f-4165-bd01-43d620772351" data-vars-headline="How to find rent-controlled units in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/mortgage-applications-plummet" target="_self">rent for longer</a> than they planned.Why it matters: Living in D.C. isn&#x27;t cheap, but anyone can benefit from the savings rent-controlled units provide, because they aren’t subject to income restrictions.

After eight months of construction and $384 million, Metro’s Yellow Line will reopen on May 7 at 7am.

Why it matters: Ridership is increasing and Metro needs all of its available resources to keep up with demand.

Late last month the agency had its busiest Sunday since 2015 with 340,000 trips systemwide.

What’s happening: The roughly 40-year-old Yellow Line bridge and tunnel were in need of repairs, including fixing water leaks. The reopening aligns with Metro’s original timeline.

Note: In a move that Metro says will save money and improve wait times, the reopened line will run a shorter route from Huntington to Mt. Vernon Square instead of going to Greenbelt.

Paige’s thought bubble: I went 85 feet underground (nine flights of stairs!) to tour the renovated tunnel yesterday with a group of reporters. It’s surprisingly clean down there, and I’m happy to report zero rat sightings.

What’s next: The new Potomac Yard Station, which is between Braddock Road in Alexandria and Reagan National on the Yellow and Blue lines, is also supposed to open next month. But Metro has yet to announce an official date.

Metro's Yellow Line to reopen next month

The Yellow Line will reopen after eight months of renovations.

The renovated Yellow Line tunnel. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

Transportation

After eight months of construction and $384 million, Metro’s Yellow Line will reopen on May 7 at 7am.Why it matters: Ridership is increasing and Metro needs all of its available resources to keep up with demand.

News

Maryland-based designer Anifa Mvuemba debuted Hanifa Bridal at the Salamander Resort in Middleburg Sunday with an event that itself resembled a wedding.

Hanifa — worn by A-listers including Beyoncé — is known for being an innovative brand that incorporates tech into its design process.

Sequins, and feathers, and tulle, oh my!  Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

The new collection included looks for all aspects of bridedom from lingerie to bachelorette party fits, and, of course, wedding gowns.

Spotted: A few members of the "Real Housewives of Potomac" cast, including the Grande Dame Karen Huger. 

📸 To see the more of the collection, check out our latest Instagram reel. 

D.C.-area fashion designer Hanifa launches a bridal line

The D.C.-area fashion designer beloved by Beyonce debuts a collection for brides.

There were audible gasps when this gown graced the runway.  Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

Washington, D.C.

Maryland-based designer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anifa Mvuemba" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/03/19/dc-spring-2022-fashion-trends" data-vars-content-id="a22f368d-03e0-4a9d-86c2-bc59f0ad4dc2" data-vars-headline="D.C.-area fashion designer Hanifa launches a bridal line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/03/19/dc-spring-2022-fashion-trends" target="_self">Anifa Mvuemba</a> debuted Hanifa Bridal at the Salamander Resort in Middleburg Sunday with an event that itself resembled a wedding.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hanifa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=CgSKnRZI0Yrb3N4_QogaG578gpKrV7mTLwdyXnA6ixfewjAkIABABILlUYMnmmI3spIAQoAGgsI6jAcgBAcgD2CCqBGxP0E-L-UvrBhA03soE93iLtoqMbQytguXE0JQySPfBATpzl59nHpli2HzfJ9fqK_U8QTOyyDv5-s83bKiWCpUZ1PjbuXXUh02W4PW-RArUaN5HSBmtIVk9Z4ubSUQa558vz2iOgC2TfgL7gu3ABPqUvN3WA4AFkE6IBdHmsok0oAZmgAfIz_HcAogHAZAHAagHpr4bqAe5mrECqAfz0RuoB-7SG6gH_5yxAqgHytwboAjA6KUEsAgB0ggMEAIghAEyAoJAOgEAmgk4aHR0cHM6Ly9oYW5pZmEuY28vY29sbGVjdGlvbnMvY2Fwc3VsZS1kcm9wLWlpLWNvbGxlY3Rpb26xCUYANMc9xGttuQlGADTHPcRrbfgJAZgLAaoMAggBuAwB6AwGghQKCAMSBmhhbmlmYcgUgdiC353Yib5w0BUB-BYBgBcBkhcJEgcIARADGOwC&amp;ae=2&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs3cTn6s_2AhWYp3IEHeVwAVAQ0Qx6BAgDEAE&amp;dct=1&amp;dblrd=1&amp;sival=AF15MEA3wILdxOZFnmQfdVHgZUwDja4kTwubUrk320bVXaiqN-tmXj4mt_2GkmTW98i1_ZGF6FSRu_EQ5zK4ApYIe7mKbmeCk4oqPmv1JxAO4xe3cCkJQXcx9f6_-CfaqnV1_aLTRDX-17WRwgGEIJ0MZ5SOWix-8CbJCV6On9vBWAF15K4W_gqqckEGZj07MqyE-ZeisEOY&amp;sig=AOD64_1JQQslcmh6y2pmk2UGPrmaNyDmiw&amp;adurl=https://hanifa.co/collections/capsule-drop-ii-collection" data-vars-content-id="a22f368d-03e0-4a9d-86c2-bc59f0ad4dc2" data-vars-headline="D.C.-area fashion designer Hanifa launches a bridal line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=CgSKnRZI0Yrb3N4_QogaG578gpKrV7mTLwdyXnA6ixfewjAkIABABILlUYMnmmI3spIAQoAGgsI6jAcgBAcgD2CCqBGxP0E-L-UvrBhA03soE93iLtoqMbQytguXE0JQySPfBATpzl59nHpli2HzfJ9fqK_U8QTOyyDv5-s83bKiWCpUZ1PjbuXXUh02W4PW-RArUaN5HSBmtIVk9Z4ubSUQa558vz2iOgC2TfgL7gu3ABPqUvN3WA4AFkE6IBdHmsok0oAZmgAfIz_HcAogHAZAHAagHpr4bqAe5mrECqAfz0RuoB-7SG6gH_5yxAqgHytwboAjA6KUEsAgB0ggMEAIghAEyAoJAOgEAmgk4aHR0cHM6Ly9oYW5pZmEuY28vY29sbGVjdGlvbnMvY2Fwc3VsZS1kcm9wLWlpLWNvbGxlY3Rpb26xCUYANMc9xGttuQlGADTHPcRrbfgJAZgLAaoMAggBuAwB6AwGghQKCAMSBmhhbmlmYcgUgdiC353Yib5w0BUB-BYBgBcBkhcJEgcIARADGOwC&amp;ae=2&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs3cTn6s_2AhWYp3IEHeVwAVAQ0Qx6BAgDEAE&amp;dct=1&amp;dblrd=1&amp;sival=AF15MEA3wILdxOZFnmQfdVHgZUwDja4kTwubUrk320bVXaiqN-tmXj4mt_2GkmTW98i1_ZGF6FSRu_EQ5zK4ApYIe7mKbmeCk4oqPmv1JxAO4xe3cCkJQXcx9f6_-CfaqnV1_aLTRDX-17WRwgGEIJ0MZ5SOWix-8CbJCV6On9vBWAF15K4W_gqqckEGZj07MqyE-ZeisEOY&amp;sig=AOD64_1JQQslcmh6y2pmk2UGPrmaNyDmiw&amp;adurl=https://hanifa.co/collections/capsule-drop-ii-collection" target="_blank">Hanifa</a> — worn by A-listers including Beyoncé — is known for being an innovative brand that incorporates tech into its design process.</li></ul>

Culture

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business

This time last year engaged couple Sofia Cortes and Jason Johnson were on a tight deadline to find their first home or a new place to rent, with the pressure of having just a few months left on their lease and mortgage rates rising.

The big picture: They only spent a couple of months on the homebuying process and used public transit to attend roughly two dozen open houses in one weekend.

In this installment of our House Hunt series, we’ll follow the young couple’s journey in buying their first home.

👋 Who: Sofia, who works in global health programs, and Jason, who runs communications for a member of the House.

📍Goal: Transit-accessible neighborhood

❤️ Wish list: Two bedrooms, natural light, nearby dog parks

A cozy dining area and kitchen inside a D.C. condo.

The condo has a cozy dining area and kitchen. Photo: Sofia Cortes

Option 1: Modern condo, $599,000 – Petworth

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms | 970 square feet

Pros: High ceilings, well-located, nice rooftop deck

The living and dining area inside a D.C. condo.

Lots of space to stretch out! Photo: Realtor Inc.

Option 2: Spacious condo, $550,0000 — Hill East

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom | 1,145 square feet

Pros: Abundant natural light, shared backyard, two fireplaces

Cons: Limited nearby shopping, lower unit, only one bathroom

Option 3: Budget-friendly condo, $560,0000 — Shaw

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms | 975 square feet

Pros: Low condo fees, walkable, large living room

Cons: Limited natural light in second bedroom, on a busy street

After visiting dozens of properties, Sofia and Jason opted for the modern Petworth condo with soaring ceilings and abundant shopping and restaurant options nearby.

Since buying their home in June, they’ve kept the unit as is and love the modern feel.

House hunt: A rapid-fire condo search

Follow the journey of a young D.C. couple as they look for their first home.

Homebuyers Sofia Cortes and Jason Johnson with their dog, 

Sofia Cortes and Jason Johnson with their pup, Cooper. Photo: Sofia Cortes

This time last year engaged couple Sofia Cortes and Jason Johnson were on a tight deadline to find their first home or a new place to rent, with the pressure of having just a few months left on their lease and mortgage rates rising.The big picture: They only spent a couple of months on the homebuying process and used public transit to attend roughly two dozen open houses in one weekend.

Paige Hopkins

Featured stories

D.C.-area fashion designer Hanifa launches a bridal line

Tour the Amaris, D.C.'s fanciest condo building

House hunt: A rapid-fire condo search

How to find rent-controlled units in D.C.

Metro's Yellow Line to reopen next month